The Center for Intellectual Freedom Act establishes a new independent academic center at the University of Iowa under the oversight of the state board of regents. The center is tasked with conducting teaching and research on the historical ideas and texts that have shaped American society and constitutional order. It will provide scholarship on foundational texts and principles of free societies, promote civic engagement, and expand intellectual diversity within the university community. The center will also offer university-wide programming focused on free speech and civil discourse, and it is required to provide at least one course in American history and civil government that meets general education requirements.

The act outlines the governance and operational structure of the center, including the establishment of bylaws, the appointment of a director, and the formation of an advisory council. The director will have exclusive authority over hiring and managing staff, and the center will be funded through private donations and appropriations from regents institutions. An annual report detailing the center's achievements and challenges will be submitted to the governor and the general assembly starting in 2026. The act emphasizes the importance of intellectual diversity and civil inquiry, aiming to create a supportive environment for rigorous academic exploration.